Managing Achilles Pain II Study (MAP II) Version 0.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Do working alliance, patient outcome expectations and self-efficacy predict change in pain and disability from treatment with a physiotherapist for Achilles tendinopathy: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study (MAP II)
IRAS ID
293942
Contact name
Adrian James Mallows
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Essex
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Although some people are more at risk than others, developing a painful Achilles tendon (known as Achilles tendinopathy) can affect anyone. It is a common and disabling condition affecting walking, running and work. To reduce the pain and disability, exercise is a commonly used treatment by physiotherapists. However, success varies. This is why the proposed research is needed, to identify the factors that predict changes in pain and disability from treatment with a physiotherapist. Our previous research suggests the working relationship or ‘alliance’ between the physiotherapist and patient, the patient’s expectations, and the patient’s confidence to carry out exercise might be important, but further research is needed to determine this. \nWe have designed a multi-centre, longitudinal cohort study to assess whether working alliance, patient expectations of treatment success, and confidence to perform exercise (self-efficacy) predict changes in pain and disability from a treatment programme prescribed by a physiotherapist for Achilles tendinopathy at twelve weeks. Patients, diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy by their treating physiotherapist, will be introduced to the study through a verbal discussion and provided with details of the study’s website (www.managing-achilles-pain.com). The website provides password protected information (the participant information sheet, consent form and a questionnaire measuring clinical outcomes and the predictive factors). The participant is asked to complete the questionnaire on three occasions; baseline, six weeks later and twelve weeks after baseline.\n\nOnce we understand whether these factors predict changes in pain and disability from treatment with a physiotherapist, treatment can be adapted to directly benefit patients.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
21/NS/0049
Date of REC Opinion
2 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion